Patriots’ Path Council – Bahamas Sailing & SCUBA Adventure (August 13–20, 2027)

This registration is for Patriots’ Path Council’s sailing and SCUBA adventure with Blackbeard’s Cruises in the Bahamas, August 13–20, 2027. Participants will spend the week living aboard two 65' sailing sloops, exploring the Exuma Cays through sailing, diving, fishing, and island exploration.

What’s Included:

• Round-trip flights from Newark Liberty International Airport to Nassau, Bahamas
• Program with Blackbeard’s Cruises aboard two 65' sailing sloops (48 total participants)
• Six nights aboard the vessels and one night in a Nassau hotel
• Multiple days of sailing, diving, fishing, and exploring the Exuma Cays
• Two program t-shirts, two council shoulder patches, and a small duffle bag
• Opportunity to participate in a council shoulder patch design contest

Eligibility:
Participants must be at least 14 years old by August 2027.

All participants must be SCUBA certified prior to the start of the trip.

Participants who are not already certified at the time of registration must complete certification through an approved course before departure.

All participants must successfully complete:
• The Scouting America swim test
• A Patriots’ Path Council check-out dive at the Hardyston YMCA

Each vessel will operate as a provisional Sea Scout Ship with approximately 24 participants per boat. Monthly ship meetings will be held January through June 2027.

There will be a mandatory one-day shakedown event at Lake Hydra in Bethlehem, PA in late spring 2027.

Skill Level

No prior sailing or diving experience is required.
Participants who are not already certified may take SCUBA classes in Spring 2027 for an additional cost of $650 or through a certified dive program. Students are required to supply their own mask, snorkel, and fins.

All participants must hold an active, recognized SCUBA certification prior to departure.

For those who are not yet certified, Patriots’ Path Council will offer SCUBA certification classes in Spring 2027 for an additional cost of $650.
Students are required to supply their own mask, snorkel, and fins.

Proposed Itinerary

Day 1 (Friday): Early morning flight from Newark to Nassau. After dropping gear at the hotel, the contingent will spend the afternoon sightseeing in Nassau.
Day 2 (Saturday): Check out of the hotel and head to the dock. Boarding begins at noon, followed by departure and the first dive that afternoon.
Days 3–7 (Sunday–Thursday): Sailing, diving, fishing, and exploring the Exuma Cays.
Day 7 (Thursday): Return to the dock in the afternoon and spend one final night aboard the vessel.
Day 8 (Friday): Disembark at 8:00 AM and travel to the airport for the return flight home.

Cost & Fees

The total estimated cost of the trip is $2,870, paid in installments.
Thomas A. Pepe Adventure Scholarships are available.

A SCUBA certification course is available for an additional $650.

Upon registration, a $600 deposit is required to secure the spot. Initial deposit can be made directly online, by check mailed to the council service center, or by visiting one of the Scout shops.  Completion of the online registration is required regardless of payment method.

There is an additional 3% charge for all credit card payments, which is the council's cost.  The 3% credit card processing fee is the same regardless of paying directly online or through the council office and Scout shops.  Payments by cash or check will not incur a 3% processing fee.

Subsequent payments are due per the payment schedule below - either online or directly to Patriots' Path Council:

Payment Schedule

Upon registration, a $600 deposit is required to secure a spot.

Subsequent payments are due as follows:

• $600 — Registration deposit
• $600 on or before May 1, 2026
• $600 on or before August 1, 2026
• $600 on or before November 1, 2026
• $470 (estimated final payment) on or before February 1, 2027
• TBD payment, if required, to be determined

Trip Insurance:
Patriots’ Path Council does not provide trip insurance for its participants as it is usually less expensive for individuals to purchase trip insurance for themselves than it is for the council to purchase a group policy.  The council strongly recommends that each family consider purchasing trip insurance that may best meet their needs.

Cancellation Policy:
For more information, please visit the Council Policies page.
https://ppcscouting.org/about-us/policies/ 

TBD Payment:
For all High Adventure programs offered by the Patriots’ Path Council, a great deal of planning and purchasing takes place well in advance.  This includes plane and bus transportation, lodging, program activities, meal plans, brochures, etc. where costs may not be 100% determined at time of budgeting.  The TBD payment allows a lower budged overall cost with the understanding any increase of fees will be added to the last payment if needed.